Friday, August 19, 2016

A trio of nationally-recognized pizzerias has shut down operations, and it is not known if or when the shops might reopen again.

According to a Facebook post from last month, Bob and Timmy's Grilled Pizza has closed its stores in Providence and North Smithfield, RI, along with North Attleboro, MA, with the note saying "Bob & Timmy's is temporarily closed. We hope to re-open in the near future but we do not have a date at this time. Thank you to all of our customers for your support and we hope to be back soon." No updates have been posted since this one (which went up on July 14) and an article this week from the Providence Journal says that Rick Samone, who is president of the Federal Hill Commerce Association where the Providence shop is located, states that some sources who are "familiar with the situation" say the owners are planning to sell the business.

Bob and Timmy's has gotten some notice since opening its original location on Spruce Street in Providence approximately 30 years ago, with the Journal article saying that it has been featured on NBC's "Today" show and GQ Magazine once considered it among the top 10 pizza spots in the United States, while an old post from The Sun Chronicle said that USA Today awarded it best pizza in Rhode Island and the place has also been featured on "The Rhode Show" and "Man vs. Food."

Thanks to a source for initially bringing this story to our attention.

[September 19 update: The three locations of Bob and Timmy's Grilled Pizza remain closed, and now the phone numbers of all three shops are out of service.]